Day six is somewhat like starting misa de Gallo again because I went back to Sacred Heart Parish for the sixth day mass. However, I managed to attend it in the morning making the experience a little bit different from the first time. Well one thing odd about the experience is that since its very early in the morning and our street is so quiet yet there would be incidents of theft and assult. My mother acted as an observer as I walk in the eerie but lighted street. Eventually, I did make it to the church but a little bit late.
As you may know, the gospel would again speak of the visitaion of Mary to Elizabeth, who bears John the baptist. And as the anticipation for John's birth comes so does also the coming of Jesus. I was wondering since she was said to be at her old age if the pregnancy would be difficult as well as raising John as a child. Oh well, at least he grew up to be a great servant of God.
After the mass, I noticed that there were vendors of
bibingka and
puto bungbong. Oh what joy! I have not tasted these two in years! Although I noticed that prices also went up too as time passed. But I had to take this chance to get them and probably feel nostalgic about the taste and feeling. But more than that, I also tried the
lugawan thats also beside the church. I forgot the name but it is famous for the students of PUP and that area because the
lugaw is very affordable and you can get refills!
As I arrived home, I went ahead in taking a bite from the
puto bungbong and
bibingka. And since the journey home would be humid and cold. I have to heat them up in the microwave so they would appear as freshly baked. And they did not dissapointed me as they tasted good and brought fond memories. And it registered in my mind that I would probably get another serving on the next days of
simbang gabi.
Just like last night (or morning), I also went back to a previous church for the seventh day. But this was accidental because of my poor scheduling and on the spot decisions that almost jeopardized the essence and value of the simbang gabi. I originally planned to try a church in the Ortigas-Pasig Area, but I failed to check on the churches that are available and their respective schedules. I was at St. Francis Parish at 8pm but they were already done with thier mass when I arrived. Then I thought if Megamall chapel would start at that time but from what I know its also at the same time as this parish. Then, I made a move by going to EDSA shrine on a short bus ride but eventually to find out that they only serve dawn masses and no night ones.
So I was getting desparate. Its almost 930pm and I am confused on what church would have mass at that time. And then, I remembered San Juan church that starts at 930. So I acted quick to take a jeepney ride to the church. However, I also encountered traffic as we passed by greenhills which made me a little bit depressed and guilty of what have I done. But it was a grace that I have arrived at the church. And was able to understand that the gospel was about Zacheriah, John the baptist's father. As I would remember I am drawn into a church dedicated to John the baptist.
My view at the church was different since I was near the door and never seated. But this gave me another perspective of the church that it had murals about John's life including his father. You might say it would be old art but it was very helful in reflecting about the message for today. And since the church is one of my recent discoveries, I would like to take sometime to go around the church and probably know some history about it. But for now, its still not a good time. However, the experiences I had in this church actually helped me a lot in understanding the message of the gospels especially about John, the voice coming from the desert preparing the way of the Lord.
